In Barcelona, beyond the saints officially recognized by the Catholic Church, there exists a popular devotion directed towards figures to whom the faithful attribute a special power of intercession. Colloquially known as ‘santets’, these deceased individuals, without being beatified or canonical saints, receive numerous visits and requests, especially around the time of All Saints’ Day. This practice reflects an expression of faith rooted in local culture, where the spiritual intertwines with the search for hope and comfort.
Francesc Canals Ambrós, the ‘Santet’ of Poblenou
The Poblenou cemetery houses the most visited tomb: that of Francesc Canals Ambrós, who died in 1899 at the age of 22. Known as ‘the Santet’, his niche has become a constant pilgrimage site. Visitors follow a specific ritual: they write their request on a piece of paper, insert it through a slot in the tombstone, protected by a glass like an urn, and leave from the right side, trusting that their plea will be heard. The offerings surrounding the tomb—flowers, candles, photographs, religious figures, and even ex-votos like a wax leg—testify to the faith of those who believe they have received a favor.
Francesc Pla Saña, the ‘Capellanet’ of Sant Andreu
In the Sant Andreu cemetery lies another tomb of notable popular devotion: that of Francesc Pla Saña, known as ‘the Capellanet’. He died in 1918, also in his youth, as a seminarian but was never ordained as a priest. According to historian Adrià Terol of Cementiris de Barcelona, the bishop at the time allegedly vetoed his ordination upon learning that his mother practiced spiritualism, a practice in vogue in certain circles at the end of the 19th century. His death, occurring months later, was followed by spontaneous local veneration. Just four years after his burial, the influx of flowers and ex-votos forced the relocation of his remains to a more accessible location.
Saint Expeditus, the saint of emergencies
In the realm of institutionalized devotion, but equally focused on urgent requests, the figure of Saint Expeditus stands out in the church of Sant Jaume (Ferran Street, 28). This Roman martyr is invoked for «desperate and urgent cases,» as explained in the temple. At his feet, a box collects the faithful’s written requests, which is emptied on the first day of each month. Those responsible for the church note that devotion has grown, attracting visitors from all over Spain, and many attribute granted graces to his intercession. Even compared to Saint Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of impossible causes, Saint Expeditus accumulates a greater number of lit candles, a sign of the constant requests he receives.
These practices, which intensify on the eve of All Saints’ Day, show the diversity of expressions of faith within the city. From veneration in cemeteries to prayer in churches, Barcelona residents and visitors find in these spaces a channel for their requests, keeping alive a tradition that combines religious sentiment with popular culture.
Original source: www.elperiodico.com (published on October 28, 2025)
Photo: Jorien van der Sluis on Unsplash
